Chaffee Gulch Detention Dam #6, located in Ouray, Colorado, is a gravity dam primarily used for debris control on the Chaffee Gulch river.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1965 by the Bureau of Land Management, this federal-owned structure stands at a structural height of 44 feet, with a hydraulic height of 37 feet and a length of 588 feet. With a storage capacity of 20.06 acre-feet and a surface area of 11.22 acres, this dam plays a crucial role in managing the water resources in the area.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Chaffee Gulch Detention Dam #6 is regularly inspected by the Bureau of Land Management to ensure its fair condition. The dam has a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, indicating the need for ongoing risk management measures. With a controlled spillway type and no outlet gates, the dam is designed to handle the normal drainage area of 2030 acres, providing vital protection against potential flooding and debris buildup in the region.
As an essential part of water resource management in the area, Chaffee Gulch Detention Dam #6 stands as a testament to the importance of infrastructure in adapting to and mitigating the impacts of climate change. With its strategic location and purpose-built design, this gravity dam continues to serve as a reliable asset in protecting the surrounding environment and communities from potential water-related hazards.
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Length |
588 |
River Or Stream |
CHAFFEE GULCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
11.22 |
Hydraulic Height |
37 |
Drainage Area |
2030 |
Nid Storage |
20.06 |
Structural Height |
44 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
44 |